How Old Is Tom Cruise?

Tom Cruise, one of the most famous and successful actors in Hollywood, is a name that needs no introduction. Known for his roles in iconic movies like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire, Cruise has had a career spanning over four decades. His age might be advancing, but he continues to be an A-list celebrity, known for performing his own stunts and delivering unforgettable performances on screen.

So, how old is Tom Cruise today, and what are the key milestones in his life and career? Let’s explore.

1. Tom Cruise’s Birthdate and Current Age

Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, USA. As of 2025, Tom Cruise is 62 years old.

2. Early Life and Background

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV (better known as Tom Cruise) was born into a working-class family. His father, Thomas Mapother III, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Mary Lee, was a special education teacher. Cruise has said that his early years were challenging, particularly due to his father’s domineering and abusive nature.

Cruise attended several schools during his childhood, including St. Xavier High School and Glen Ridge High School, but his family moved frequently, and he struggled academically due to his dyslexia. Despite these challenges, Cruise developed an interest in acting and began performing in school plays. He later enrolled at Nellie’s School for Performing Arts, and by the time he was a teenager, his passion for acting had fully taken hold.

3. Early Career and Breakthrough in Hollywood

Tom Cruise’s breakthrough into Hollywood came in the early 1980s. His first major role was in the 1981 film Endless Love, where he had a minor part. However, it was his performance in 1983’s Risky Business that made him a household name. The film, which featured the iconic scene of Cruise dancing in his underwear, cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

Following the success of Risky Business, Cruise’s career skyrocketed. He became known for his charming personality, boyish looks, and dedication to his craft. He starred in a series of successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including:

• Top Gun (1986): Cruise played the role of Maverick, a hotshot Navy pilot, in this action-packed film, which became one of his signature roles. The movie’s massive success turned Cruise into a global superstar.
• The Color of Money (1986): Cruise starred alongside Paul Newman in this Martin Scorsese-directed film, which earned him critical acclaim.
• Cocktail (1988): Another commercial success, this film showcased Cruise as a bartender, cementing his status as a versatile leading man.

4. Tom Cruise’s Rise as a Hollywood Action Star

By the 1990s, Cruise had firmly established himself as one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars. His roles in films like A Few Good Men (1992), The Firm (1993), and Jerry Maguire (1996) showcased his ability to take on complex, dramatic roles, and his talent continued to shine across multiple genres.

However, it was his role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise that would come to define much of his career in the late 20th and 21st centuries. The first Mission: Impossible movie, released in 1996, became a major box-office hit, leading to multiple sequels that followed in the years to come. As Ethan Hunt, Cruise solidified his reputation for performing his own stunts, often risking his life for the sake of realism and excitement in his films.

5. Tom Cruise’s Enduring Popularity and Later Career

Tom Cruise’s career in the 2000s and beyond has been marked by his dedication to both his action films and dramatic roles. Some notable films from his later career include:

• Minority Report (2002): Directed by Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi thriller showcased Cruise in a more cerebral role, proving that he could excel in complex, thought-provoking films.
• The Last Samurai (2003): Cruise earned a nomination for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of an American soldier in Japan during the 19th century.
• War of the Worlds (2005): Another collaboration with Spielberg, this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel was a commercial success.
• Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018): One of the most critically acclaimed installments of the Mission: Impossible series, Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts (including a HALO jump and a helicopter chase) was a highlight of the film.

Even in his 60s, Cruise continues to star in action films, with new installments of the Mission: Impossible franchise keeping his place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

6. Tom Cruise’s Iconic Roles and Cultural Impact

While Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible franchise is arguably his most iconic, his filmography spans various genres, from action and drama to science fiction and comedy. He has delivered countless memorable performances that have become a part of popular culture. Some of his most iconic roles include:

• Maverick in Top Gun: The role that launched Cruise into superstardom. The film’s success led to a 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which introduced Cruise to a new generation of fans while rekindling the magic of the original.
• Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible: Cruise’s role as the highly skilled and fearless secret agent has defined much of his later career, with multiple sequels continuing to build on the franchise’s success.
• Jerry Maguire in Jerry Maguire: Cruise earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as the titular sports agent in this 1996 film. The line “Show me the money!” became an instantly recognizable catchphrase.
• Lestat in Interview with the Vampire: Although this film was controversial at the time, Cruise’s portrayal of the vampire Lestat was memorable and became a cult favorite among fans.

7. Tom Cruise’s Personal Life and Achievements

Outside of his acting career, Tom Cruise has made headlines for his personal life. He has been married three times, to Mimi Rogers (1987–1990), Nicole Kidman (1990–2001), and Katie Holmes (2006–2012). His relationship with Scientology has also attracted significant media attention, and he has been one of the religion’s most famous and vocal supporters.

Despite his personal controversies, Cruise has maintained a strong presence in Hollywood, consistently securing leading roles in high-budget films. His professional achievements are numerous:

• He has received multiple Golden Globe Awards and Academy Award nominations.
• He is known for performing his own stunts in many of his action films, including hanging from an airplane in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015).
• Cruise has also produced many of his films, using his production company, Cruise/Wagner Productions.

8. Tom Cruise’s Legacy and Impact

Tom Cruise’s legacy in Hollywood is undeniably massive. His commitment to his craft, his dedication to performing his own stunts, and his ability to evolve with the times have all contributed to his longevity in the entertainment industry. Cruise has become an icon of modern cinema, particularly known for his work in action films, and his career is a testament to his work ethic, passion for his craft, and ability to connect with audiences.

Despite being in his 60s, Tom Cruise shows no signs of slowing down. With the continued success of the Mission: Impossible series and other high-profile projects, Cruise remains a major force in Hollywood.

As of 2025, Tom Cruise is 62 years old. Despite his age, he continues to be one of the most recognizable and influential actors in the world, with a career that spans over 40 years. From his early breakthrough in Risky Business to his status as a Hollywood action legend in the Mission: Impossible series, Cruise’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. Even at 62, Tom Cruise remains a global superstar, consistently delivering high-energy performances and cementing his place in cinematic history.